Student Researchers' Society Topics

The research topic explores the effectiveness of two widely used docking software programs— AutoDock and Gold—in predicting cocrystal formation and identifying promising cocrystal pairs. Cocrystallization is a valuable strategy in pharmaceutical development for improving drug properties, but accurately predicting which molecular pairs will form stable cocrystals remains challenging. This research aims to determine which docking software, AutoDock or Gold, is more effective for predicting cocrystal formation. The study will begin by creating a database of known cocrystal structures sourced from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), ensuring a diverse range of cocrystal types and molecular properties are represented. These structures will serve as the basis for comparative analysis. In the computational phase, molecular structures of the cocrystal components will be prepared for docking using appropriate software tools. Docking simulations will then be conducted using both AutoDock and Gold to predict the binding affinities and orientations of the cocrystal components. The predicted binding poses and affinities will be compared with the experimentally observed cocrystal structures to evaluate the accuracy of each software. The research will assess the strengths and weaknesses of AutoDock and Gold in predicting cocrystal formation, providing insights into the factors that influence the performance of docking software in this context. By identifying the most promising cocrystal pairs and comparing the predictive accuracy of each software, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of computational methods for rational cocrystal design in pharmaceutical research. 

The research topic focuses on assessing the effectiveness of three different software programs in predicting cocrystal structures and identifying promising cocrystal pairs. Cocrystallization is a crucial process in pharmaceutical development, offering the potential to enhance the properties of drugs. However, accurately predicting the crystal structures of cocrystals remains a significant challenge. This research aims to determine which software—XtalOpt, CrystalMaker, or CrystalExplorer—is most effective for predicting cocrystal structures. The study will begin by creating a comprehensive database of known cocrystal structures from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), ensuring that a diverse range of cocrystal types and molecular properties are included for a thorough evaluation. In the computational phase, XtalOpt, CrystalMaker, and CrystalExplorer will be used to predict the crystal structures of the cocrystal components. These predictions will then be compared with the experimentally determined structures to assess the accuracy of each software. The comparison will provide valuable insights into the ability of each tool to accurately model and predict the complex interactions that govern cocrystal formation. The research will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each software in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and ease of use. By analyzing the results across different types of cocrystal systems, the study aims to identify the most effective software for cocrystal prediction. The findings will also offer recommendations for selecting the appropriate software based on specific research needs, contributing to the advancement of computational methods in cocrystal design and pharmaceutical development.

Co-Supervisor: Ifj. Dr. KÁSA, Péter

Orodispersible tablets play a great role in life saving situations. Dissolution amd disintegration properties, their investigation and its improvement is essential for the pharmaceutical therapy. This topic aims to reveal the relationship between the manufacturing process parametrs, excipients and the dissolution of the tablets. Within the topic the student has to plan an experimental design, participates in the manufacture and carries out the measurements.

Development of a Co-amorphous Drug-Drug Delivery System

This research focuses on the critical interactions between drug nanocarriers, such as chitosan nanoparticles, and serum albumin, a key plasma protein. Drug nanocarriers have emerged as promising tools in targeted drug delivery systems due to their ability to enhance drug stability, control release rates, and improve bioavailability. However, the interaction between these nanocarriers and serum albumin is a complex process that can significantly influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug delivery system.

The study will employ various analytical techniques, including spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electrochemical methods, to characterize the binding interactions between different drug nanocarriers and serum albumin. Understanding these interactions is essential, as they can affect the nanocarrier's stability, drug release profile, and the overall therapeutic efficacy of the drug.

By investigating how serum albumin interacts with various types of nanocarriers, this research aims to provide valuable insights into the factors that govern these interactions and their implications for drug delivery. The findings could lead to the development of more effective nanocarrier-based therapies, optimizing drug release and minimizing potential side effects. This comprehensive study will contribute to advancing the field of nanomedicine and improving the design and application of drug delivery systems in clinical settings.

The research topic centers on creating and analyzing filaments designed for pharmaceutical applications. This involves experimenting with various ratios of polymers, additives, and drugs to develop filaments with tailored properties. Key aspects include optimizing the mechanical strength, flexibility, and biodegradability of the filaments to ensure they perform effectively in drug delivery.

Researchers will measure the mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and elongation, to assess the filament's durability during printing and use. Thermal properties, like glass transition temperature, are evaluated to understand the filament's stability under different conditions. Chemical properties, especially solubility, are examined to determine how the filament interacts with biological environments.

A critical component of this research is exploring how filament composition, printing parameters, and external stimuli affect drug loading and release kinetics. This enables precise control over drug release rates, which is vital for personalized medicine. The research integrates material science, pharmaceutical technology, and 3D printing, offering a comprehensive approach to developing advanced drug delivery systems.

The research topic focuses on understanding how drugs interact with the materials used to create 3D-printed filaments. A key aspect of this research is evaluating the compatibility of various drugs with different filament materials to ensure that there is no degradation or adverse interactions during or after the printing process. Ensuring compatibility is crucial for maintaining the drug's efficacy and stability within the delivery system.

Another critical component involves measuring drug diffusion through the filament matrix. This helps in determining how the drug molecules move within the filament, which directly impacts the uniformity and effectiveness of drug delivery. The diffusion characteristics are essential for optimizing the drug release profile and ensuring consistent therapeutic outcomes.

The study also examines the release kinetics of drugs from the filaments under varying conditions such as pH and temperature. By investigating how these environmental factors influence drug release, researchers can design filaments that provide controlled and targeted drug delivery. This research integrates material science, pharmaceutical technology, and analytical techniques to advance the development of precise and effective 3D-printed drug delivery systems.

Tablet compression of plant cell containing materials makes production extremely difficult. Usually the higher the natural content in a tablet is, the harder the tablet compression can be carried out. The aim of this topic is to optimize a tablet’s ingredients by maximizing the natural content, selecting the proper excipients and match the basic criteria of tablets.

Co-Supervisor: Dr. PÁL, Szilárd

This scientific topic includes the preformulation studies of the glutaminic acid, tablet compression and examination of the prepared tablets. Preparation will be carried out according to an experimental design, then after evaluation, an optimized composition and tableting process parameters will be re-adjusted in order to maximize tablet's mechanical properties.

The research topic focuses on utilizing computational tools and experimental techniques to identify and validate promising cocrystals for pharmaceutical applications. Cocrystallization offers a powerful approach to enhancing the physicochemical properties of drugs, such as solubility, stability, and bioavailability. However, selecting the right coformers for cocrystallization remains a significant challenge.

This research aims to explore whether virtual screening using the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) can effectively identify potential coformers for a specific pharmaceutical or class of pharmaceuticals. By employing CSD's extensive database, researchers will screen for coformers based on structural similarity, molecular properties, and other relevant criteria. The identified coformers will then serve as candidates for experimental validation.

In the experimental phase, various cocrystallization techniques, including solvent evaporation, melt quenching, and grinding, will be used to synthesize the predicted cocrystals. The formation and structural integrity of these cocrystals will be confirmed using techniques like X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and spectroscopy. These methods will also help in characterizing the physicochemical properties of the cocrystals, such as solubility, stability, and bioavailability.

The research will compare the properties of the cocrystals with the pure drug, assessing the potential advantages of cocrystallization, such as enhanced drug performance and therapeutic efficacy. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of virtual screening using the CSD in predicting successful cocrystal formations, contributing to the development of optimized drug formulations through rational design.

Production of food supplements is very close to operations and procedures used in pharmaceutical technology. It can be observed, that tablets and capsules containing food supplements are actually made by the same way, and using the same methods as in pharmaceutics. Aim of this topic is to focus on production and examination of solid dosage forms containing food supplements, comparing their quality to medicines of the same category, carrying out main pharmaceutical technological investigations independently from the active ingredients.

Development and characterization of natural product-based semisolid formulation for pharmaceutical application: Design, Evaluation and In-Vitro assessments.

Pharmaceutical residues in water systems, including wastewater, rivers, lakes, and drinking water, present a growing environmental and public health challenge. This research investigates the application of carbon nanostructures, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene-based materials, for pharmaceutical residue removal, focusing on their adsorption efficiency, long-term stability, and environmental impact. The study will compare functionalized and non-functionalized nanomaterials and explore their regeneration potential over multiple adsorption-desorption cycles. Additionally, it will assess the effectiveness of household drinking water filters, such as water pitcher filters, in reducing pharmaceutical contaminants. The research will evaluate environmental risks associated with nanomaterials in water treatment, weighing the benefits of pharmaceutical residue removal against potential hazards.

Tablet compression of herb derived materials is a great challenge, since herb derived substances and plant cells usually have highly elastic properties, which makes it extremely difficult to produce tablets with acceptable physical properties. Aim of this topic is to acquire knowledge in this field, including testing compressibility properties of various plant derived materials.

Co-Supervisor: Dr. PÁL, Szilárd

This scientific research project aims the pharmaceutical technological formulation of finely pulverized grape seed in order to produce a dietary supplement in form of a tablet. Topic include preformulation studies, the production itself and the examination of the preparation.

The research topic explores the interactions between naturally derived bioactive compounds and plasma proteins. Bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, long used in traditional medicine, have garnered significant interest as potential alternatives to synthetic chemicals due to their antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. While these therapeutic effects have been validated, the physiological functions and interactions of these compounds with cells and proteins remain underexplored.

This research will focus on investigating the binding of naturally derived bioactive compounds to plasma proteins using spectroscopic, chromatographic, electrochemical, microscopic and particle characterization methods. Special attention will be given to albumin binding and the application of albumin nanoparticles as drug carrier systems, as the affinity between bioactive compounds and albumin plays a crucial role in the effective design of nanoparticles. The study will also consider the interactions of these compounds with other plasma proteins to provide a broader understanding of their behavior in biological systems. By examining these interactions, the research aims to enhance the stability of bioactive compounds through albumin-based nanocarriers and contribute to the development of more efficient drug delivery systems.